A garage in West Reading has dropped its appeal against a council decision to refuse a 24-hour alcohol licence.

The Texaco Garage in Oxford Road, run by Krisco Services Limited, has a licence to sell alcohol round the clock - apart from a three-hour gap between 3am and 6am.

Reading’s licensing committee turned down an application to sell alcohol during the missing three hours after it was opposed by Thames Valley Police and the community.

Krisco lodged an appeal against the decision, but that has now been dropped.

Spokesman for Reading Borough Council David Millward confirmed that the appeal had been dropped but said not reason had been given.

Peter Bowyer who chairs the Oxford Road Neighbourhood Action Group

welcomed the announcement.

Common sense

He said: “We’re pleased that common sense has prevailed at last.

“This business has applied for a 24-hour license three times now and

every time it has been opposed by the community and refused by the

licensing authority.

“Frankly we were surprised that they launched an appeal to the magistrates’ court back in March, but we were ready to stand by the council in defending its decision to refuse the application. In the end, we’re glad that we don’t have to spend any more time on this. The area simply does not need a round-the-clock off-licence.”

He went on: “The NAG will continue to work with licensed premises in the Oxford Road neighbourhood, helping them to understand their role in the community and the impact that irresponsible sale of alcohol can have on levels of crime and anti-social behaviour, which are big issues for local residents.

“We’re always ready to assist Reading Borough Council and Thames Valley Police in objecting to licence applications and bringing requests for license reviews for those premises that don’t act responsibly.”